A Conversation in Rivendell by Dreamflower
harrowcat · 17 January 2016 · Chapter 1
Although I do try to read or listen to LOTR annually I think that my image of Boromir is more influenced by 10+ years of fanfiction and I do like your pre-ring Boromir. I wonder what would have happened if Aragorn's and Boromir had set out for Gondor separately from the rest of the Fellowship as a distraction. Now there is a huge plot bunny for someone!
Queen Galadriel · 10 April 2006 · Chapter 1
I've been meaning to read this since you posted its companion, and now I finally get to it. It's so nice to see Frodo and Boromir talking without that horrid Ring getting in the way, for once. Frodo's sudden bitterness comes as a shock, but I can't blame him for it, poor Hobbit, and I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The good thing, though, is that those who love him love him better than life. If there was any way he could, he would see to it that those two were kept safe, for Frodo’s sake as well as their own. A perfect ending! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I like to imagine that the Ring was semi-quiescent while in Rivendell. I think that It knew that without being on Its own Master's finger, that two of the Three would be able to subdue It. So it waited until they left the valley to begin on Boromir. All my own little theory, of course, but I like to think that Boromir had a chance to develop some friendships with his companions while yet untainted by Its whisperings. Like anyone of any sensitivity at all, the perception that he had no one who care about him especially waiting at home, would be bound to occasionally give him a tang of bitterness. But I also think that it was somewhat caused by his depression--he did not realize, really, how deeply he was loved, and not just by those who came with him. But the Ring may have a little to do with that. And yes, Boromir would remember Frodo when he was trying to keep the two younger hobbits safe, as well as his own affection for them.
Dana · 1 January 2006 · Chapter 1
I am terribly fond of Boromir, and I do like how you write him. And Frodo, too -- especially when we get that bit of bitterness. Rather unexpected, but it was quite forceful, too. If there was any way he could, he would see to it that those two were kept safe, for Frodo’s sake as well as their own. And that? Is beautiful. (Oh, Boromir.)
Author's reply
Oh, Boromir. *sigh* This was my first time to write him, and I wanted very much to show him as he was before he was being affected by the Ring, how noble and brave he really was. I think Frodo would occasionally be a little bitter. It had to have been hard on him, his relatively solitary life, sometimes. What's amazing is that he wasn't more so.
Gryffinjack · 11 November 2005 · Chapter 1
How lovely! It isn't often that we get to see Boromir and Frodo interact and when we do, it is usually only after the Ring has already got ahold of Boromir and he is all surly. One of the things I like about this story is the absence of the Ring. The Company has yet to set out and the Ring has not begun its evil work on Boromir. Another aspect I like about this story is the comparison of Frodo's relationship with Merry and Pippin with Boromir's relationship with Faramir. Despite the difference in the biological relationships, both sets are really brothers. Boromir and Frodo both recognise and respect the amount of love the other has for his younger kin. We already know all about Frodo's relationship with Merry and Pippin. But for Faramir to love his brother as much as he did despite Boromir's being their father's clear favourite, Boromir must truly have been a wonderful older brother. One thing I do not understand is why Boromir is only instructing Merry and Pippin on the art of swordplay; for all four hobbits were given swords and all four are in peril. Why should Frodo and Sam not be given instruction as well? Boromir's assessment of Merry's and Pippin's abilities seems right. The books do tell us that Pippin was agile and sure-footed, yet he does seem the type to become distracted. However, I have no doubt that all distractions would fade away were he to enter into a real battle, as he demonstrates before the Black Gate. With the determination and planning that Merry has, he would indeed be a natural for swordplay. "It took a soldier’s oath of obedience to make him learn that lesson.” And even so, it had taken all of Boromir’s persuasion to keep Faramir from defying their father and following after him on *this* errand. He would have forsworn himself for his older brother’s sake, and Boromir could not allow that. “I’m sure that Merry and Pippin would be too canny to bind themselves that way." Obviously, Boromir has not read the books or he would know the error of his statement! Of course, Pippin swore the exact same oath to Denethor that Faramir did. Good thing Denethor was eventually replaced by Aragorn so Faramir and Pippin didn't have to keep their oath to the demented Denethor. lol! I think Boromir truly did care about the hobbits. Having been in the same boat as Merry and Pippin, it would be only natural that he felt a bit closer to them. I'm so glad to see Boromir treated fairly in your story.
Author's reply
I wanted very much to do a story with Frodo and Boromir in which the Ring played no part at all. I hope that I accomplished that. I thought it would be an interesting parallel between Frodo's bond with his cousins and Boromir's with his younger brother. I'm glad you thought that worked. I'm thinking that at this point they are still not going to want to stress Frodo's shoulder too much, or to risk re-injuring it. And Sam's not going to want to spend much time away from Frodo at this point in time. I believe the intent was to perhaps begin instructing them on the road, but for my Frodo and Sam, they showed little ability or interest beyond just learning the bare basics. I'm glad you feel that the abilities and talents I give Merry and Pippin are true to their characters. I am also glad you spotted that bit of irony. Of course, both hobbits did indeed end up binding themselves with oaths, LOL! I believe that *all* the Fellowship soon began to feel great affection, love even, for the hobbits in their charge, and Boromir was no exception. And I am happy to see you think I was fair to the Son of Gondor in my portrayal here.
good_one_pip · 26 May 2005 · Chapter 1
Ah, Boromir keeps that oath doesn't he? He protects those two with all his life.
Author's reply
I think by the time he gave up his life for them, he had come to love them as well, but yes, I believe that his determination to protect them was also borne in part by the idea that he would also be doing a service to Frodo. Thank you for the review. I always enjoy seeing one for an older story!
annmarwalk · 9 March 2005 · Chapter 1
Thank you for pointing out this story to me! I enjoyed it very much. As others have said, I particularly enjoyed the respectful interaction between Boromir and Frodo. The ring would not have begun its evil immediately; your story depicts a sort of "grace period" (in many senses of the word) for the two of them to make overtures of friendship. I liked your comparisons of Merry and Pip to young Faramir, and also your description of the satisfaction Boromir would have taken in sharing his skills and developing the talents of young recruits. Very nicely done! Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
Author's reply
Well, you know, when Faramir asks Frodo was Boromir his friend, he said "yes, for my part". I think that he knew Boromir really was his friend, and that it was mainly the Ring preying on the Gondorian that caused his lapse. And I do think that the Ring could not have started its evil work too soon--I'm sure that it was somewhat inhibited in Rivendell, for one thing. I'm glad that you liked the story. I used to feel funny telling others about one of my stories, but I soon realized that if they said they liked something, and my story was about that, I'd be doing them a favor. After all, I don't mind it when others give me a steer to some of their stories.
lotrgirl1415 · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 1
I love how you made it clear that Boromir was a wonderful fellow to Frodo. Many stories i have read have had Boromir come off as some grouchy brute. I applaude your use of Boromir's charming personality. lots of love, *~*Katie*~*
Author's reply
I know; I hate that too. For heaven's sake, this was the son of the Steward of Gondor, the equivalent of a Prince. He would at least have good manners. But I see him as a "wonderful fellow", as you put it. After all, in most families where the parent shows such blatant favoritism, you'd find bad blood between the siblings--yet Faramir adores his older brother, and Faramir is such a gentleman himself, I couldn't see that happening if Boromir was a "brute". And then there is the consideration he shows to the younger hobbits. I think that there is more than enough proof to show that Boromir's lapse was due mainly to the combination of the Ring preying on him and the fact that Denethor's own sense of hopelessness and despair had affected him. Anyway, I think that Boromir would have liked Frodo, and been respectful to him, and that's what I tried to show. Thanks for the nice review!
GamgeeFest · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 1
I like the parellels you draw between Boromir and his brother, and Frodo and his cousins. They both want so badly to protect their kin. I also like that Boromir defied his father to continue to teach Faramir in secret. That really show Boromir's softer, yet more protective, side that doesn't really come out in the books. It was fun hearing about Merry and Pippin through Boromir's eyes.
Author's reply
Of course, Frodo felt like Merry and Pippin were as close to him as brothers would have been, and I think that Boromir would have wanted to protect Faramir in the same way. I do think that for Boromir and Faramir to have been so close in spite of Denethor's contempt for his younger son, that Boromir must have defied his father more than once to do nice things for his brother. I'm glad you liked seeing Boromir's opinion of his newest students; I think it would have meant a lot to Frodo to know it.
Breon Briarwood · 10 September 2004 · Chapter 1
Wow, I loved this! It was just perfect. I want to say more, but to point out every detail that comes to mind would have me copying almost the entire thing over again. Suffice it to say, I'd like to see more of these conversations. :D
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I really enjoyed doing this little story. I wanted a Frodo and Boromir story that didn't feature the Ring. I might think about that!
Hai Took · 10 September 2004 · Chapter 1
That was wonderful! There aren't very many stories that center around Boromir and Frodo that way! Boromir had a wonderful understanding of how Frodo wanted to be treated, despite their size that could destract him from their true age! Frodo not having anyone at home waiting for him was a truly touching thing. Boromir's description of Merry and Pippin's abilities was great! I like the way you have written Boromir all around! Thank you for the excellent story!
Author's reply
That was the main reason I wrote this one. I wanted a Frodo-Boromir story that was serious, but not angsty, with no mention of the Ring. I think that Frodo's personality would have made Boromir respect him, definitely *not* treat him like a little child. Frodo *didn't* have anyone waiting for him. I think that there were those who missed him, such as Merry's parents, but I'm not sure he would have thought of that. His solitude made him a logical choice for Ringbearer, but it must have often been hard to take. I am glad you like my Boromir. It is my first time to write of him; I hope I did him justice.
shirebound · 10 September 2004 · Chapter 1
I enjoyed reading this little scene! It was nice to read that Boromir spoke kindly, honestly, and respectfully not only to Frodo, but about Merry and Pippin. I really liked that little bit that Bilbo "was used to being listened to". And this is wonderful: "Boromir felt a bit of a shock; the loneliness in Frodo’s voice was palpable. How could he be so unappreciated? Even in his brief acquaintance it was clear that this was a person of exceptional character."
Author's reply
I wanted to write a story in which Frodo and Boromir could interact without the Ring and its temptation even entering into it. I like to think that the Ring waited a bit, and maybe cast around some, before settling on Boromir as its main victim. It would be nice if Boromir had some time to enjoy his companions before the trouble started. I think it is clear from the careful way he is treated at the Council, that there is a great deal of respect for Bilbo in Rivendell; I would imagine that when the time came to plan Frodo's journey, and choose his companions, that Elrond and Gandalf would seek his opinion. Who else would know Frodo better? I wanted to show both the depth of Frodo's loneliness, and of Boromir's respect; I am glad that came across. Thank you for the lovely review. It means a lot, coming from you!
Kitty · 10 September 2004 · Chapter 1
They are perfectly right - it was so much saver to have Merry and Pippin in the Fellowship instead of alone trailing behind. They never would have stayed behind in Imladris or go home to the Shire. And it was a good idea to teach them swordplay before leaving Rivendell. Really, it was a pity Boromir couldn't see how much they have learned from him and what they have done at the Pelennor and the Black Gate. He would have been very proud of them and probably of the high esteem the King has for his beloved little brother as well. Well done - I look forward to more from you, as always! (And don't dare to call "A new reckoning" a monster again - it is a very lovely fic! ;-))
Author's reply
This was sort of a sequel to my Marigold Challenge fic, In the Frying Pan, in which Merry and Pippin are actually thinking about having to trail behind. I agree that it is a shame Boromir could not have seen how well Merry and Pippin put his lessons to use. I hope that somehow he was able to know. As to Reckoning--I was thinking about how out of control it got. It was supposed to be about twenty chapters long, and ended up 72, so sometimes it felt like a monster to me, as I thought I would never get to the end! But I am so glad you liked it.